Arsenal are preparing to head to Spain for the second leg of their Champions League quarter final against Real Madrid.

Arsenal stunned Carlo Ancelotti’s side in the first leg thanks to a wonderful brace of free kicks from Declan Rice and an instinctive finish from Mikel Merino to give the Gunners a huge advantage.

Opta’s supercomputer has increased Real Madrid’s chances of making it to the semi final since that first leg defeat with knocks to Gunners duo Thomas Partey and Ben White.

Madrid legend Marcelo has warned Arsenal of the atmosphere they are about to enter into and the Gunners defence are set to be scrutinised by constant waves of attacks and a certain Kylian Mbappe.

David Raya ‘wasn’t impressed’ with Jakub Kiwior against Real Madrid

Speaking at the pre match press conference ahead of Arsenal’s clash with Real Madrid, goalkeeper David Raya has delivered his verdict on defender Jakub Kiwior since returning to the side.

The Gunners number one stated that he actually ‘wasn’t impressed’ with Kiwior’s performance against Real Madrid because he knows how good the Polish defender is.

Raya explained: “I wasn’t impressed because I know how good Jakub is and I’m very very convinced and confident with him stepping in after the big injury that Gabi sustained against Fulham.

“I wasn’t surprised by his performance I thought he was very, very, very good and we know how good he is, he shows it in training every day.

“I was very very happy with his performance because that gives him confidence but I wasn’t surprised, it was only a matter of time before he showed his quality.”

Real Madrid surprised by Arsenal during first leg

Speaking at his pre match press conference, Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham has stated that he was surprised by the quality of Rice’s free kicks in the 3-0 defeat at the Emirates Stadium.

Bellingham stated: “The free kicks were surprising! I’ve not seen Dec do that before, to be fair. I knew he could take set pieces really well, corners. But I’ve never seen him do that with free kicks!”

Kiwior’s performance may have also come as a surprise to Real Madrid as they looked to target the defender with their movement but he was more than up to the challenge on the night in London.

Arsenal have a weakness in defending leads this season and Arteta will need to ensure that his players are prepared for the cauldron of the Bernabeu and do not freeze on the big occasion.

During the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinal, Arsenal showed no signs of fearing Real Madrid. Declan Rice’s night was a dream come true for the Gunners, who defeated Real Madrid 3-0 at the Emirates.

Rice gave Mikel Arteta’s team a much-needed three-goal lead to carry to the Bernabeu with two direct free kicks before Mikel Merino added a third. On paper, any side would be intimidated by Real Madrid’s stellar roster, yet Arsenal emerged as the first leg’s main attraction.

Jude Bellingham’s biggest surprise regarding Arsenal Before the match, Ben White was afraid of Vinicius Junior, but the Brazilian wasn’t the only Galactico whose name was somewhat significant.

Jude Bellingham was unable to impact the game despite starting in midfield with Luka Modric and Eduardo Camavinga, who was sent off. In an interview with Amazon Prime Video following the match, Bellingham acknowledged that Real Madrid was “lucky” to have allowed no more than three goals. “We didn’t get close to it. That’s the reality, and Arsenal was excellent,” he stated.

“They could have had many more goals, but I know that two of them were free kicks and excellent individual deliveries. We’re fortunate to escape with three. However, we are clinging to the idea that there is a second leg. We will require something extraordinary, truly extraordinary. Even if Arsenal supporters should have a night to celebrate, the match is still ongoing with a second leg to go. However, based on Bellingham’s analysis, Real Madrid is ready to win if the first-leg performance is repeated at the Bernabeu.

Arsenal was in control. Real Madrid Bellingham maintained that, based on a review of the game’s statistics, Arsenal could have scored more than three goals.

Statistic Arsenal Real Madrid

Possession 54% 46%

Expected goals (xG) 1.51 xG 0.50 xG

Big chances 2 0

Shots 12 9

Shots on target 11 3

Arsenal vs Real Madrid statistics via Sofascore

Arsenal controlled possession and were the better side going forward, firing 12 shots on goal, 11 of which were on target.

Contrastingly, only three of Real Madrid’s nine shots were on target, on what was a surprisingly routine night for David Raya.

The Galacticos will return to Madrid wounded by the Gunners, with a spot in the semi-final at stake when the second leg gets underway at the Bernabeu

Arsenal take on Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League at the Emirates Stadium

Arsenal take on Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League at the Emirates Stadium

Hello and welcome to football.london for live coverage of Arsenal’s Champions League match with Real Madrid.

This is without doubt the biggest game of Mikel Arteta’s tenure in charge of Arsenal and perhaps in the Emirates Stadium era of the club. The last time the two sides met, Thierry Henry was scoring in the Bernabeu and it was the last campaign played at Highbury.

Arteta has welcomed back Bukayo Saka to his side which is a massive boost but the loss of Gabriel Magalhaes is arguably equally as impactful. For Los Blancos, Thibaut Courtois has been included in the squad which is a big boost for the Spanish giants.

Elsewhere, Jurrien Timber, Declan Rice and Gabriel Martinelli must avoid bookings to avoid missing the second leg of the tie. Real Madrid are already missing Aurelien Tchouameni and a number of their players are a caution away from suspension.

You can follow live coverage from the Emirates Stadium throughout the day right here with our dedicated coverage. football.london’s chief Arsenal correspondent Tom Canton is in north London to bring you live updates.

17:42

Tom Canton

Real Madrid team confirmed

Starting XI – Courtois, Valverde, Asencio, Rudiger, Alaba, Modric, Camavinga, Bellingham, Rodrygo, Mbappe, Vini Jr

Subs – Fran Gonzalez, Sergio Mestre, Fran Garcia, Brahim Diaz, Arda Guler, Gonzalo, Endrick, Jacobo, Chema, Lucas Vazquez, Vallejo, Lorenzo

17:26

Tom Canton

Alan Shearer gives Arsenal vs Real Madrid Champions League prediction

Mikel Arteta’s side is gearing up for one of their most demanding and most crucial games of the season as they line up against a star-studded Real Madrid side.

With the Premier League seemingly out of the Gunners’ grasp, the Champions League offers a chance to clinch some silverware and cement their place in European football. The trophy has eluded them throughout their history despite coming awfully close in 2006.

But tonight they face seasoned winners Real Madrid under their even more experienced manager Carlo Ancelotti who is looking to take the trophy home for the sixth time in his career.

Read the full story here.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 26: Amazon Prime Video UEFA Champions League pundit Alan Shearer during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD5 match between Manchester City and Feyenoord at City of Manchester Stadium on November 26, 2024 in Manchester, England.Tom Canton

Antonio Rudiger drops early Real Madrid team news hint

Antonio Rudiger has dropped a team news hint ahead of Real Madrid’s clash against Arsenal. The Gunners will lock horns with Los Blancos at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night for the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie.

Mikel Arteta’s side stormed past PSV Eindhoven in the round of 16 last month, winning 9-3 on aggregate, meanwhile, Real needed extra time and penalties to get past Atletico Madrid. None of the four players, who were investigated by UEFA for ‘violating the basic rules of decent conduct’ against their rivals, will miss this evening’s tie.

Rudiger and Kylian Mbappe received suspended one-match bans, as well as hefty fines, while Dani Ceballos got off with a reduced penalty and Vinicius Junior escaped punishment. Real will, however, still be without some key players due to injury.

Read the full story here.

Antonio Rudiger in Real Madrid training at the Emirates Stadium

Arsenal predicted XI vs Real Madrid

Arsenal have got the night of their season as they take on Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday evening. Mikel Arteta wants the club’s supporters to put on the most impressive show of support we have witnessed.

He has the support of Bukayo Saka back in the fold who could make his first start since he returned from a long layoff with a hamstring injury. However, he does have to deal with the absence of Gabriel Magalhaes who missed the tie with the same issue.

He has decisions to make, particularly in the back four and the front three on the night. With that in mind, here is who football.london predicts to start in this evening’s match.

Read the full line-up here.

Leandro Trossard and Bukayo Saka are both players that Mikel Arteta could choose to play for Arsenal against Real Madrid

Real Madrid will travel to face Arsenal in the Champions League for the first time in 19 years.

On Tuesday night, the Emirates will bear witness to a Champions League showdown as Arsenal host Real Madrid to kick off the quarter-finals.

The first leg will be played in North London before Mikel Arteta’s side travel to the Santiago Bernabeu in search of repeating history.

The Gunners beat Real Madrid in 2006 over two legs, with Spanish media still wary of Arsenal’s history in the fixture all these years later.

Kolo Toure was Arsenal’s man of the match vs Real Madrid in 2006

As the tie was decided for the 2024/25 Champions League, the memories of the 2006 triumph came flooding back.

Thierry Henry recalled how Madrid reacted to drawing Arsenal at the time, with the Gunners going on to have the last laugh.

It was Henry who won the game for Arsene Wenger at the Bernabeu, but it was another star who ultimately decided the tie.

Rewinding to 2006, there’s a reminder that Kolo Toure was indeed the star of the show in Madrid, earning the highest mark of any Arsenal player on the pitch.

MORE ARSENAL STORIES

The Guardian’s player ratings from the historical victory note that Toure was worthy of a 9/10 score, describing the centre-back as ‘breathtaking’.

“Had enormous responsibility in marshalling the callow Arsenal defence. One tackle to slam shut Zidane’s door to goal was breathtaking,” wrote journalist Matt Scott.

Henry was the protagonist for good reason, but the Frenchman came up short to Toure on the night, whose impact is somewhat overlooked.

Will a defender rise to the top this time against Real Madrid?

It was a centre-back who was Arsenal’s man of the match at the Bernabeu 19 years ago, but will it be a defender who rises to the top this time around?

The topic of central defence is a touchy one for Arteta at present, as Gabriel Magalhaes was ruled out for the season with a hamstring injury.

Player Rating

Jens Lehmann 8

Emmanuel Eboue 7

Kolo Toure 9

Philippe Senderos 6

Mathieu Flamini 6

Alexander Hleb 7

Freddie Ljungberg 6

Gilberto Silva 8

Cesc Fabregas 7

Jose Antonio Reyes 8

Thierry Henry 7

The Guardian’s player ratings from Arsenal vs Real Madrid at the Bernabeu in 2006.

While the Brazilian awaits surgery, a new partner will audition to join William Saliba, with Jakub Kiwior impressing in his taster against Everton.

Ben White could play the role, as could Jurrien Timber, with a decision to be made regarding how the back four shapes up against one of Europe’s most deadly attacks.

It’s all to play for at the Emirates and Bernabeu, giving those away from the spotlight the chance to become a hero, just as Toure did.

Arsenal have top-class players in almost every position on their pitch.

Mikel Arteta has built a terrific squad at the Emirates Stadium over the years, and that is why Arsenal are challenging for the Premier League and the Champions League.

Injuries have hurt Arsenal badly this season, which is why they are unlikely to win the domestic league title, but the European crown is still up for grabs.

Bukayo Saka is back from his injury now, which is a big boost, but the Arsenal number seven is apparently not the club’s Most Valuable Player.

Martin Odegaard tops Arsenal’s MVP rankings

Arsenal signed Martin Odegaard from Real Madrid in 2022.

The Norwegian, hailed as ‘fantastic‘ by Saka, spent the first six months at the club on loan, and that move was made permanent in the following summer for just £30 million.

Arsenal fans will all tell you that was a bargain, as Odegaard has mostly been terrific for the club.

Yes, the 26-year-old hasn’t been at his absolute best this season, but everyone saw how poor Arsenal were when he was out injured.

ESPN released their list of Arsenal’s Most Valuable Players (MVPs), and Odegaard, to many people’s surprise, was on top.

The Gunners skipper ranked ahead of Saka, Declan Rice and even William Saliba, which has raised a few eyebrows considering his form this season.

Check out the full list below!

Is Martin Odegaard really more valuable to Arsenal than Bukayo Saka?

Odegaard and Saka are definitely among Arsenal’s best players.

The two left-footers have produced several phenomenal performances in the famous red and white over the years, and they are both integral to the way Arteta wants his side to play.

But, is Odegaard really more valuable to Arsenal than Saka?

According to CIES Football Observatory’s estimated transfer values list released in January, Odegaard is worth €88.2 million (£73.5m).

Saka, on the other hand, was ranked as the sixth most valuable player in the world, with a transfer value of €157.3 million (£131m).

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Real Madrid have put Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori back on their radar ahead of the summer transfer window, according to reports.

The Gunners spent £42m on Calafiori last summer as the Italy international arrived from Serie A side Bologna, who are having another good season in the Italian top-flight.

Calafiori’s season has not gone quite how he anticipated with injuries halting his progress in Mikel Arteta’s side with the 22-year-old only making 11 Premier League starts this season.

The Arsenal defender has been in good form in recent times, although he picked up another injury on international duty with Italy last week.

And Spanish website Fichajes insists that Real Madrid ‘reactivates option’ to buy Arsenal defender Calafiori after already considering his signing in the past.

As the Spanish side ‘scour the market’ for defensive improvements, ‘one of the names that is gaining traction again’ is Calafiori with the Arsenal defender ‘once again sparking the interest of Real Madrid’s board’.

The report adds:

‘Arsenal, aware of their defender’s value, will not make his departure easy. His contract and the interest from other major clubs make the deal a financial challenge for Real Madrid. The club is not willing to pay any price and could consider other alternatives if negotiations become complicated. The priority is to find reinforcements without compromising financial planning for future investments.

‘The final decision will depend on several factors, including Arsenal’s willingness to negotiate and the player’s stance on the possibility of a move to the Santiago Bernabeu. Meanwhile, Real Madrid is closely monitoring his progress, assessing whether to take the final step to pursue his signing or pursue other options on the market.’

Arsenal icon Emmanuel Petit insists that, although he is a fan of Calafiori, the Gunners should have prioritised a signing of a striker over the Italy international.

Petit said in January: “They should have addressed that in the last transfer window. They should have bought a striker. I know that they extended the quality of the squad with a couple of players, but they added to positions they were well covered in. They signed Calafiori, but they already had two or three players that could play at left back.

“I’m a big fan of Calafiori but when you look at it, when you look at the young guy Lewis-Skelly, he’s doing so well, and Zinchenko is on the bench most of the time, so they had that part of the pitch covered.

“I can understand that when you play every three days and you have to compete in every competition, that you need squad depth, but the striker position was a priority. I didn’t know why Arsenal didn’t go for a proper striker last summer.”

David Ornstein has revealed that Arsenal appear to be in a “strong position” over the future of Max Dowman, but still face a fight to keep hold of him due to their rivals.

The youngster has been tipped as one of the brightest up-and-coming prospects coming out of the Hale End academy in the near future.

Dowman received praise from John Terry for a recent performance against the Chelsea under-18s, while he has featured in senior Arsenal training since he was 14 years old.

With such talent and potential, there has naturally been plenty of talk surrounding the future of the playmaker.

David Ornstein gives update on Max Dowman future at Arsenal

With Max Dowman catching the eye with his progression at Arsenal, there has been plenty of talk surrounding his future.

In the past 12 months, Arsenal have lost both Chido Obi and Ayden Heaven to Manchester United, with the pair now thriving with their rivals.

As Dowman starts to impress those outside of the Gunners, talk has continued over the difficulties Arsenal could find in keeping the 15-year-old for the future.

Transfer expert David Ornstein said on the youngster’s future at Arsenal in a recent Q and A for the Athletic: “I guess it’s down to Arsenal to do enough to convince him to sign, and obviously we might not know if they’ve succeeded in that until late 2025 or early 2026.

“Given he has come through there and is an Arsenal fan, they appear to be in a strong position. But considering most big clubs would love to sign him, Arsenal will need to prove their pathway and plans are right for him.

“He, in turn, must continue to excel as well. There’s been no suggestion that he’ll get special dispensation to play for the first team this campaign, so unless that changes in these final months the focus will be on continuing to integrate into the senior set-up in pre-season and shining in 2025-26.

“The fact Arsenal took him Dubai recently indicates how highly Mikel Arteta thinks of Dowman so let’s see how the next weeks go (he has big games for England this week and next) and also show respect to the development of a precocious young talent for club and country.”

With all of that still ahead of him, Dowman still has to progress through the ranks to prove his ability and take the step up to the next level.

When can Max Dowman sign a new contract at Arsenal?

As it stands, Dowman is not in a position where he can sign a contract at Arsenal due to registration and safeguarding rules.

The youngster will be able to change that in over one year’s time though.

Dowman cannot sign a professional contract or scholarship deal until he turns 17 years old, which will be December 31, 2026.

He is capable of agreeing terms of both in advance, which could change things, but as it stands there is still a long pathway ahead of him.

Plenty can change in the next year or so, which could make a difference to the Hale End gem and his future.